Advances in sensing technologies have led to research into exertion games that
support physically effortful experiences. Despite the existence of theoretical
frameworks that can be used to analyze such exertion experiences, there are few
tools to support the hands-on practice of exertion game design. To address this,
we present a set of design cards based on the “Exertion Framework”, grounded in
our experience of creating exertion games for over a decade. We present results
demonstrating the value and utility of these Exertion Cards based on our studies
of their use in three workshops held over seven sessions with 134 design students
and experts. We also articulate lessons learned from transforming a theoretical
framework into a design tool that aims to support designers in their
practice.